Urgent Public Health Strategies Needed to Tackle Early-Onset Type 2 Diabetes Crisis in China

A recent study from Peking University has highlighted a concerning increase in early-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) in China among adolescents and young adults between 1990 and 2021. While death rates from the disease have improved, the number of new cases and the overall impact on health—measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)—have risen significantly.

According to the research published in Health Data Science, the rate of new cases nearly doubled, jumping from 140.20 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 315.97 per 100,000 in 2021. This represents an average annual increase of 2.67%. The DALYs also surged, increasing from 116.29 to 267.47 per 100,000 during the same period, showing an average annual change of 2.75%. In contrast, mortality rates showed only a small decline.

Early-onset T2D predominantly affects young males more than females, with higher rates of incidence and DALYs. The 15 to 19 age group has seen the steepest rise in cases, indicating an urgent need for targeted health interventions for this demographic.

The study points out that a high body mass index (BMI) is the major risk factor linked to early-onset T2D, accounting for nearly 60% of DALYs in 2021. This is a noticeable increase from about 40% in 1990. Other risk factors include air pollution and diets rich in red meat.

“Our findings underscore the urgent need for public health strategies focused on obesity prevention, environmental health, and better diets,” says Professor Siyan Zhan from Peking University.

The researchers stress the importance of specific initiatives aimed at young males and youth. They suggest that public awareness campaigns, policy changes, and community health programs could help combat this growing issue.

This study serves as a critical resource for policymakers and healthcare workers, highlighting the urgent need to tackle the rising challenge of early-onset type 2 diabetes in China.